Studying Abroad at Hogwarts: A Harry Potter Studio Tour

On Friday, 22 April 2016, UCEAP English University students went on a tour of the Harry Potter Warner Brothers studios!

The self-guided audio tour included a walk through the front doors of Hogwarts into the Great Hall, a ride on the Hogwarts Express, and even a chance to fly a broomstick! Students saw Hedwig, Buckbeak, Dobby, and all kinds of other magical creatures; they tasted Butterbeer and Butterbeer-flavoured ice cream; and saw Weasleys’ Wizards Wheezes, Olivander’s Wands, and other fantastical shops in Diagon Alley. The Weasley family’s home and Hagrid’s hut let visitors imagine what it would be like to live in a magical world, and the potions dungeon and Gryffindor common room gave insight into being a student at Hogwarts. If only UC students could study abroad there!

But sets and props weren’t the only interesting part of the day. Students learned about the many details and complicated processes that go into making films, especially ones as complex and imaginative as the Harry Potter franchise. Harry Potter is not only immensely popular, but it has become an integral part of English culture, so the studio tour was yet another way for students to immerse in the culture of their study abroad country.